Subject matter and policy experts from ten nations gathered at a workshop in Tokyo July 14 – 16 to address the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region in maritime security.
The event titled “Ensuring Maritime Stability, Security and International Collaboration in a Changing Arctic,” sought to build cooperation globally in sustaining peace, stability, rule of law, and responsible resource management in the region. The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies co-hosted the event with Japan’s Oceans Policy Research Institute Sasakawa Peace Foundation.
Sixty-nine participants hailed from Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea,and India (permanent observers to the Arctic Council), and the five Arctic littoral states, Canada, Russia, the United States, Norway and Denmark. Littoral nations share a maritime border with the Arctic Ocean and make up
the Arctic Council. Pictured above, Dr. Justin Nankivell, APCSS’ workshop manager, provides remarks at the event.
The workshop objective was to specifically outline Asian states’ core Arctic security interests and policy priorities in four key areas: freedom of navigation, maritime security, sustainable resource extraction, and environmental management challenges. Workshop sessions aided participating states in building a prioritized agenda for Arctic governance, maritime security issues, rule of law, and resource management. The key Asian states are developing their Arctic priorities and interests with an eye towards integration into Arctic states’ current policy frameworks. The workshop enabled littoral nations to better understand Asian states’ strategic interests and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Among guest speakers were Mr. Yukio Kato, Secretary General, The Secretariat of the Headquarters for Ocean Policy, Cabinet Secretariat, Government of Japan; Kazuko Shiraishi, Japan’s Ambassador in charge of Arctic Affairs; Evan Bloom , Director of the U.S. State Department’s Office of Ocean and Polar Affairs; Mr. Hiroshi Terashima, President OPRI SPF; and Lt. Gen. (Ret) Daniel Leaf, APCSS director.
Fifty people from 10 nations gathered July 14-16 in Tokyo for a workshop focused on security in the Arctic region.
-end-
See photos online at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153437870593913.1073741952.45415023912&type=3
The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies is a Department of Defense institute that addresses regional and global security issues. Military and civilian representatives, most from the United States and Asia-Pacific nations, participate in a comprehensive program of executive education, professional exchanges and outreach events, both in Hawaii and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
The Center supports U.S. Pacific Command by developing and sustaining relationships among security practitioners and national security establishments throughout the region. APCSS’ mission is to build capacities and communities of interest by educating, connecting and empowering security practitioners to advance Asia-Pacific security. It is one of the Department of Defense’s five regional security studies centers.
Since opening in 1995, more than 9,400 alumni representing over 122 countries and territories have attended APCSS courses and workshops.
Leave A Comment